Why book?
Seattle hotels often skew corporate, but the Kimpton Hotel Monaco has long carved out a more playful niche. After a head-to-toe renovation, that playfulness now comes wrapped in a sleeker package. Gone are the animal-print carpets and circus-bright colors; in their place, cool tones that feel less whimsical and more grown-up. Add in a convivial nightly wine hour, a new restaurant (Marin) helmed by a local chef, and thoughtful family touches, and you get a downtown stay that balances polish with personality.
Set the scene
The former lobby was a riot of color; today, it’s Scandinavian calm meets urban lounge, with sculptural furniture, deep hues, and artwork nodding to the city’s maritime spirit. One pastel-clad elevator door remains as a wink to longtime fans. The lobby feels more like a stylish living room than a hotel common space, where cozy nooks host guests chatting over bruschetta and Washington wines. Expect a mix of cruise passengers, business travelers, and away jerseys for whoever’s playing the Mariners or Seahawks.
The backstory
Opened in 1996, the Monaco quickly became one of Kimpton’s most recognizable outposts. The 2025 renovation refreshed all 189 rooms, redesigned public spaces, and introduced Marin, which anchors the property’s new aesthetic. Inspired by Seattle’s natural geography, the design includes underwater tones and subtle references to Lake Washington’s kelp forests—subdued yet sophisticated, and moving in step with Seattle’s evolving style.
The rooms
Guest rooms strike a nice balance: airy and modern without feeling sterile, dramatic but not dark. Nautical blues, gold accents, and jewel-toned upholstery keep things fresh, while oversized windows bring in plenty of light and, on higher floors, glimpses of Elliott Bay. King rooms feature deep soaking tubs, while junior suites and the Ambassador Suite add family-friendly space. In suites, doors separate the main bedroom from a roomy pull-out couch, so kids can crash while parents reclaim their evening. Bathrooms feature large vanities, walk-in showers, and Malin+Goetz’s Atelier Bloem bath products.
Food and drink
The lobby-adjacent restaurant Marin is Chef Robin Posey’s modern coastal gastropub, and it draws both locals and guests. Pronounced Marin like the Mariners, not the California county, it leans heavily into the Pacific Northwest's seafood bounty. Signature dishes include Oregon tuna tartare, fried Pacific oysters, and grilled B.C. king salmon. The craft cocktail list is small but inventive and local: the Negroni, martini, and old fashioned are all composed using local distillers. Happy hour runs a generous from 2 to 5 p.m. with an extensive menu, although $1 off beers and $10 wines don’t make it the best deal in town. Locals drop in for sports at the bar, and on a recent visit my server mentioned they get annual regulars as well, who pop in before summer trips to Alaska or the San Juan Islands.
The spa
There’s no spa, but the fitness center is better than most downtown hotels, with Peloton bikes, free weights, and stretching space. Complimentary bikes are available for guests who want to explore on two wheels.
The neighborhood/area
The Monaco sits squarely in downtown, within walking distance of Pike Place Market, the waterfront, and the Seattle Art Museum. The Central Library is right around the corner, a striking stop for book lovers and architecture buffs. Columbia Food Co. downstairs serves coffee, wine and beer, and excellent breakfast sandwiches. The 5th Avenue Theatre and Seattle Convention Center are a short stroll north, while Pioneer Square and the stadiums lie just to the south.
The service
Friendly without forcing it—that's Monaco's sweet spot. Staff greet guests with genuine warmth and a sense of ease that makes you feel more like a regular than a reservation number. When we visited with an eight-year-old, she was welcomed with thoughtful touches that make families feel embraced. We also noticed several guests greeted by name, a sure sign of a hotel that makes the extra effort.
For families
Unusually strong for a downtown boutique hotel. A welcome gift of Seattle Chocolate Company treats or Cobbs gourmet popcorn starts things off right, suites with pull-out couches make multi-generational stays easy, and kid-friendly perks (robes, stuffed animals, coloring books) are thoughtfully executed. Furry family members are famously welcome too—no size or species restrictions, no fees, and no side-eye at the elevator. Guests can no longer borrow a goldfish for the room—and that’s probably for the better.
Eco effort
Kimpton has long baked sustainability into its properties, and Monaco is no exception. Large-format bath amenities, energy-efficient systems, and in-room recycling come standard. The hotel also runs a “trade out” program where guests can donate gently used clothing. Marin keeps the ethos going with seasonal, locally sourced menus.
Accessibility
The hotel is fully ADA-compliant, with roll-in showers, wider entryways, ramped entrances, and elevators to all floors. Staff are attentive without hovering, always quick to offer assistance when needed.
Anything left to mention?
The nightly wine hour in the lobby is unusually social and generous, and includes well-chosen bites. If you’re nostalgic, keep an eye out for that lone pastel elevator door—a charming relic from the hotel’s technicolor past.
1101 Fourth Avenue Seattle, Seattle, WA 98101
United States
https://www.monaco-seattle.com/
(206) 621-1770